







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Yes, he definitely doesn't like changing places. | |
| Why? I never put a question mark when I search something! | |
| But I don't know him well. | |
| Hello there, are you Cate? | |
| Hmm.. yes, I need mushrooms, stock, celery... | |
| Oh, your girlfriend's cat... Does she live here with you? | |
| But Tesco is bigger, it has more variety of products. | |
| Nope, I don't cook fancy things, only regular dishes. | |
| Yes, I still don't do it. | |
| Excuse me ma'am, here is an undamaged packet of rice for you. | |
| I didn't know that, I hope it's not serious. | |
| Then you can decide if I'm a good cook or not! | |
| Hello, I'm very sorry dear, I'm a bit late. | |
| Who is Mike, darling? | |
| Are there any fries or any kind of snacks? | |
| Also, one of my friends works there. | |
| Do you have any relatives in London? | |
| Mike, it is a continent! | |
| What's your favourite movie? | |
| Do you know how to use them? | |